ANCHOVY THE PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY
Continuing on our weekly Duh Road feature, THE STAR went to the western parish of St James to speak with residents and stakeholders, in a bid to learn more about the town called Anchovy.
We were informed by one of the oldest living residents in the community, that it used to be named ‘ Anchoky’ from which the current name Anchovy was derived.
Vincent “Taylor Vin” Shaw told THE STAR that he is 70- plus and counting and has been stomping the grounds in Anchovy the longest.
He said, “I used to walk around barefoot ... back in the days, mi never look like this ... I had long pretty hair and I was fat ... I’m sorry I don’t have any pictures with me to show you ...”
Shaw told THE STAR that a lot has changed in Anchovy since back in the days.
Souvenir items over 50 years old, such as lamp shades, and a clothing iron were shown to us while Shaw painted a real outlook of how the town had changed.
Shaw said, “When electricity came to Anchovy, for all of us it was a jubilee! When radio came to Anchovy, the first person to have radio was Ms Parson and she play it and all of us go to the plaza down there and listen from the verandah ...”
He continued, “It’s a big difference now than back in time ... Anchovy develop now to could be a town ... we have pharmacy, doctors, post office ... the only thing we want here is love!”
THE STAR visited the Anchovy Primary School, and although our team went to the institution without notice, we were accommodated by the school’s principal of 12 years, Gerald Lawrence.
The STAR was then introduced to the vice- principal, Sheryl Mitchell, and guidance counsellor Arene Berry- Henry.
While in discussion about the happenings at the 100- year- old institution, our news team was informed that Mitchell, in her capacity as viceprincipal, also teaches a class of 64 students.
According to Mitchell, the task is not as great as it sounds, because standards are set and she and her students have an understanding.
Berry- Henry said they are currently engaged in Parent Month activities, which include a symposium.
THE STAR also learnt that there is a general overcrowding at the school, which currently has 1,065 students enrolled to 32 members of staff.
The principal told our news team that although it has its challenges, they engage their students in all types of activities.
Lawrence said that allocation from the ministry, though it goes a far way, is inadequate to cater to all expenses incurred throughout the school year.
According to Lawrence, superstar athlete Yohan Blake, a past student of the institution has pledged to assist financially with improving the school.
They also get assistance from USAID and other individuals who reside overseas, who are aware of their plight.
They have begun allocating funds to build classrooms and upgrade their computer lab.
According to the school’s administrators, the relationship with the school and the wider community is balanced.
Lawrence said, “We try to have a good relationship with parents and the community while we operate in line with the expectations of the ministry.”
was then advised to take a walk throughout the town, and indeed we did; there we engaged a number of residents.
Evan ‘ Shoppy’ Cunningham, barber and shop owner, told our news team that Anchovy was a progressive community.
He said, “Right now Anchovy a good place ... a jus little bit a people go outside go work and come back ...